Mining & Smelting Waste Guidance Documents

General Guidance

A Conceptual Site Model is an optional approach to support Environmental Management Act (EMA) effluent permitting applications. A CSM is an approach that could enable the proponent to convey existing information requirements in a format that may be more easily understood by a range of stakeholders, including Indigenous groups and the public. A CSM does not replace other requirements under the EMA or its regulations, application process, the use of an Information Requirement Table or Technical Assessment Report.

​​This document sets out the information that is required to support a joint application for a Mines Act permit and an effluent discharge permit under EMA issued by the B.C. government. It is intended for both new and existing major mines, including major expansions. The combined technical information requirements are intended to reduce overlap in information required by the ministries responsible and enable one application, or bundled applications, to be submitted for review.

Technical Guidance

These Terms of Reference are intended for proponents of major mine projects applying for an effluent discharge permit under the EMA. This document outlines the information requirements of the Technical Assessment Report (TAR), with particular emphasis on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) normally required as part of the application.

​​The Information Requirement Table (IRT) is intended as a guide to assist proponents and the ministry by identifying the information requirements for the TAR and EIA (see above) in support of an application for a permit under EMA. Once completed, the table will be used to screen applications to determine how well the information requirements are met in a TAR and EIA for an effluent permit application. For joint EMA/Mines Act application, please refer to the Joint Act Application Information Requirements guide above.

This document has been prepared to help mining companies develop sound practices for erosion and sediment control, so that when they are implemented they will contribute to compliance and protection of the environment. The information provided in this document is intended to help users exercise their professional judgment in developing site-specific management strategies. The reader is encouraged to consult the various erosion and sediment control guidelines available for specific control methods to use when preparing the site specific mine permit application.

This guidance document summarizes the expectations for annual reports submitted by mining companies operating in B.C. It also recommends a reporting format that makes it easy for the reader to recognize both compliance issues and environmental concerns. Sections 3, 4, and 5 can be used as a guide for developing the table of contents in an annual report. Annual reports submitted from 2015 onward should follow this document. This guidance does not replace or alter the legal requirements of any permit, approval or regulation issued under provisions of the EMA.

This guidance document outlines and defines the baseline study requirements and information considerations necessary to propose a mineral development project in B.C. Information requirements for geology/geochemistry, meteorology and air quality, surficial hydrology, hydrogeology, water quality (physical and chemical parameters, aquatic sediments, tissue residues, and aquatic life), fish and fish habitat, and initial environmental impact assessment are covered, focusing on the collection, analysis, interpretation, and submission of baseline information as part of a proposal to develop a mining project in B.C. By providing these requirements early in the project evaluation stage, the Province's goal is to ensure effective study design, information collection, and data usage/interpretation that will assist in both the initial project evaluation and throughout the development, operation, and closure of a mine.

This document has been prepared to help mining companies to design sediment ponds for appropriate sediment removal as part of their Erosion and Sediment Control Plan so that, when implemented, the plan will contribute to compliance with EMA and protection of the environment.

In some circumstances, science-based environmental benchmarks (SBEBs) may be developed to support permitting or other regulatory decisions. SBEBs should only be considered after best achievable technologies and best management practices have been considered and incorporated into development plans. SBEBs must be protective of the most sensitive aquatic species and life stages at a site. This document details the circumstances where SBEBs may be used and the process for developing them.

This document has been prepared to provide guidance to proponents on what information to include in a site-specific nitrogen management plan, either as a proactive step by the mine owner/operator or to fulfill an EMApermit requirement.

This document has been prepared to assist proponents in determining appropriate handling of soils impacted with hydrocarbons at producing mine sites. The document details under what circumstances these soils may be treated on the site at which they were generated, and when other treatment and handling options must be used.

An Initial Dilution Zone (IDZ) can allow an applicant to use part of the assimilative capacity of a water body if certain conditions are met, for dilution of an effluent stream to meet water quality benchmarks. This document provides clear, consistent, science-based guidance on how to determine an appropriate IDZ for an effluent discharge. It is intended to be used as guidance for proponents developing proposals for IDZs and for staff reviewing those applications. It provides a robust, science-based approach on what to consider when developing a potential IDZ, and evaluating—on a site-specific basis—when and where using an IDZ for an effluent discharge may or may not be appropriate.

Fact Sheets

Parameters of Concern Fact Sheet (PDF)
This fact sheet outlines the process that mining proponents must follow to identify parameters of concern (POCs) for mine-related effluent discharges to marine or freshwater aquatic environments. This is a process of identifying applicable parameters for a site that may have some level of risk.

Mining Operations Fact Sheet (PDF)
The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of the B.C. government's responsibilities regarding regulation of mining operations, and a brief description of the roles and responsibilities of each provincial agency involved, and that of the proponent.

Industrial Camps Fact Sheet (PDF)
When camps are established to house workers within B.C. waste is generated. This document provides guidance on what should be done to manage waste from camps with emphasis on authorizations required by the government. Information is also provided for best management practices when authorization is not required.

Related Links

Permanent link to page:

Help us improve gov.bc.ca

*Don't provide personal information . Comments will be sent to 'servicebc@gov.bc.ca'

Enter your email address if you would like a reply:

The information on this form is collected under the authority of Sections 26(c) and 27(1)(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to help us assess and respond to your enquiry. Questions about the collection of information can be directed to the Manager of Corporate Web, Government Digital Experience Division.